SoundForce has introduced the SFC-OB, a class-compliant boutique USB MIDI controller designed for OB-style synth plugins.
Features:
37 rotary pots, 41 switches and 45 LEDs streamline sound creation and performance. The controller sends out standard MIDI cc messages and can be used with any software that is MIDI-mappable. A web-based control panel app allows the user to change the cc messages number for each control, change the MIDI channel and load the different plugin modes.
Plugin modes – Although the controller can be used with any software that can be mapped to MIDI CC messages, the SFC-OB has been specifically designed to work with the most popular OB-style synth plugins. Set the controller to the right plugin mode using the control panel. This will ensure that every switch on the SFC-OB is fitting the plugin used as well as possible.
Build quality – The enclosure is made of 100% sheet metal. The case is made of bent steel and powder coated in black. The front panel is aluminum, also powder coated and screen printed with scratch-proof white and blue ink. Walnut wood side panels of 8mm thickness are fitted to both sides of the controller. On the electronics and firmware side, the controller is powered by the same STM32 Cortex-M micro-controller platform used successfully in previous products, insuring a very high level of compatibility with different computers, iPads and DAWs.
2-way/1-way communication – As with previous controllers, users can enjoy 2-way integration using the latest Arturia OP-Xa V. This means that the controller interface can be updated when presets are changed in the plugin, when plugin instances are switched or even manually on demand. The controller even accounts for discrepancies between a plugin pot-position and a controller pot-position. This allows for an improved and tightly integrated workflow.
The SFC-OB is available now for € 399 incl VAT (exact price will depend on your local VAT %) in the EU and € 329 for customers outside the EU.
Perfect Circuit will be distributing the SFC-OB in the US, Signal Sounds in the UK, Cicada Sound in Canada and Dupertuis in Switzerland.
Host Ziv Eliraz – In his latest loopop video – takes an in-depth look at the new Yamaha Montage M, a new flagship synthesizer keyboard line that includes the 61-key Montage M6, 76-key Montage M7, and top-of-the-line 88-key Montage M8x with polyphonic aftertouch.
The Montage M features a new AN-X Analog Engine and improved AWM2 Engine that, combined with the FM-X Engine, give you a total of 400 notes total polyphony. In addition to the expanded synthesis options, the Montage M offers twice the user memory, new expressive options, an improved user interface, upgraded analog circuitry and more.
Audio Ease has introduced Altiverb 8, a major update to its convolution reverb for Mac OS & Windows. The update adds support for native Apple silicon and VST3, Dolby Atmos, a resizable GUI, cloud size control, and more.
Altiverb is designed to make your audio sound as if it was recorded somewhere else, whether it’s the Sydney Opera House, a Scottish underground oil tank the size of a cathedral, or in a porta-potty.
New in Altiverb 8:
Native Apple silicon: M1 / M2 & Intel macs are fully supported.
Dolby Atmos support (XL only): Up to 9.1.6 input and output channels for fully immersive convolution reverb.
New scalable user interface (except AU version).
Cloud size: Automatic input-pan following reverb, locate each reverb around the panning of the source, even when multiple sources move in a single instance.
Smooth and clickless: IR switches, reverb adjustments and stage position changes all practically seamless without any clicks.
New output level meters (XL only): These allow manipulation of level and delay per output channel.
Pure Dolby Atmos IRs (XL only): Almost all of the hundreds of the music spaces (concert halls, churches, cathedrals, studios, scoring stages) have been upgraded to Dolby Atmos by utilizing the original extra recordings that have been routinely made throughout the years. All outputs of Altiverb are always real and distinct original speaker to microphone takes.
Mono pan following (XL only): Across surround busses up to Dolby Atmos (9.1.6), making multi-mono instances unnecessary, reducing session load time considerably.
Improved IR searching: The newly designed browser offers more and quicker ways to find the right IR.
New IR Tool: This tool enables you to create your own IRs, with output support up to 9.1.6 channels.
Computer activation: The Altiverb license can be activated on a computer or on a USB iLok key. The iLok USB key is NO LONGER required.
VST3 Plug-In: To ensure compatibility with worldclass VST host applications (DAWs) like Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo and Digital Performer Altiverb 8 features a VST3 plug-in.
Center: Almost all IRs have been supplied with a real center channel for LCR or 5.0 7.0 without center bleed.
Backward Compatibility: Altiverb 8 is fully backward compatible replacing altiverb 7 in your sessions.
New Spaces: Many new spaces are included with Altiverb 8, like the Zuidervermaning from the intro video, a dance club, some industrial spaces, a Tesla, camper vans, atmos plates and springs reverbs, and a selection of buckets and bins including a porta toilet. All including atmos.
Improved loading speed: Your sessions with many Altiverbs will load quicker than ever.
Altiverb 8 (VST3, AU and AAX) is available now for € 499 / $520 (regular) and € 849 / $899 (XL). Upgrade pricing is also available.
